President Radev discussed with Romanian President Johannis the prospects for partnership in the “Three Seas” Initiative

In a telephone conversation with his Romanian counterpart Klaus Johannis on November 5, Bulgaria’s Head of State Rumen Radev discussed the prospects for a partnership between Bulgaria and Romania within the framework of the Bulgarian hosting of the “Three Seas” presidential initiative.

During the conversation, which was initiated by the Bulgarian President, it was stressed that as close neighbours Bulgaria and Romania have the opportunity to implement joint projects in various fields that will contribute to better transport, energy and digital connectivity throughout the region.

The accession of all participating countries to the Investment Fund of the initiative is an important step for the implementation of joint projects in the area of connectivity, is the position of the two presidents. According to President Radev, in addition to individual countries, funding can be provided through the involvement of business and international financial institutions.

Bulgaria and Romania should work to achieve even greater connectivity between the two countries, including through the construction of new bridges across the Danube, the Bulgarian President said. Deepening the partnership with the European Commission in this direction is important for the overall development of the Danube River as a major transport corridor in Eastern Europe. President Johannis also stressed the need to improve the navigation of shipping in the Bulgarian-Romanian section of the river.

The opportunity for Bulgaria and Romania to combine their scientific and educational potential in search of sustainable technologies and solutions in the area of transport and energy was also among the topics of the talks.

President Johannis reaffirmed his support for the Bulgarian hosting of the Three Seas Initiative in 2021, as well as Romania's readiness to share its experience and expertise from the 2018 Bucharest Summit.